Molecules, Proteins & Genes: Building Blocks of Biology
Score Requirements: Science and Math
About the Course: What are genes and what do they produce? Can we control our bodies by manipulating proteins? How is molecular biology used to solve crimes? In this course, students will answer these and other questions as they study the structure and function of molecules, proteins, and genes. They will also examine the relationships among these three biological “building blocks,” as well as their roles within larger biological processes and systems. The course will focus on the major concepts of chemistry, organic chemistry, DNA, protein synthesis, genetics, and molecular biology. The course will also highlight recombinant DNA technology, a real-world application of these concepts. Students will demonstrate their understanding through a series of quizzes, problem-solving assignments, discussion board postings, and research projects.
About the Instructor: Bert Wartski holds a B.S. in Animal Science from the University of New Hampshire and an M.A.T. in Science Education from Boston University. He also holds National Board Certification in Young Adult/Adolescent Science. He has taught Life Science, Biology, Honors Biology and A.P. Biology for 21 years. Bert is the author of Duke TIP’s A.P. Biology Manual, a resource for teachers, and he was a freelance editor and author for Holt, Rinehart and Winston. He has presented teacher workshops at numerous national conventions, and he has conducted multiple staff development workshops for science teachers, including Duke TIP’s AP Workshop. Bert also co-developed seven classroom kits for Science Kit and Boreal Labs
Instructor(s) subject to change.